Dallas Mavericks: 5 steps to becoming title contenders this offseason

Step to Dallas Mavericks becoming title contenders this offseason: 2. Sign an All-Star

If the Mavs are going to let Tim Hardaway Jr. walk, they need to sign a free agent upgrade. There are potentially five current or former All-Stars that fit that billing. Here is a brief thought on each.

Kawhi Leonard is the crown jewel of the class. He has a player option for next season. If he opts out, the Mavericks will do everything they can to acquire him. The odds of him leaving Los Angeles are not high, though.

Chris Paul also has a player option for next season. After his dream season with the Suns, it is hard to imagine him leaving Phoenix this offseason.

The three most realistic targets for the Dallas Mavericks are Kyle Lowry, DeMar DeRozan, and Mike Conley. Each would give the Mavs that second scorer and creator they are searching for behind Luka Doncic. All three are All-Stars with a proven track record of success.

The Mavericks must sign one of those five players if they are going to jump into title contention next season. This a crucial step that Dallas has failed to accomplish multiple times in recent years. Will they have more success on the open market under their new leadership? Leaping into title contention hinges on the answer being yes.

Next: Step 3